Kodori Valley Valley

The Kodori Valley is a deep mountain valley in the Greater Caucasus within the territory of Abkhazia and historically part of Georgia, drained by the Kodori River and containing steep, rugged terrain. The landscape comprises high gorges, forested slopes and isolated settlements along the river corridor.

The valley gained international attention for its political and military significance in the post-Soviet period; the upper valley was the last part of Abkhazia under Georgian administrative control until 2008, after which control on the ground changed during the 2008 conflict. As a result of that history, access to parts of the valley has at times been restricted and subject to security considerations.

Geographically the Kodori Valley sits in northeastern Abkhazia within the Greater Caucasus mountain front and is approached via narrow mountain roads from lower-lying regions of western Georgia.

• Access and permissions: Access is restricted and has been subject to military and administrative control changes; visitors should verify permissions and current control with official sources before travel.
• Recent history: The valley has been strategically significant in recent decades and was the scene of armed clashes during the conflicts of the 1990s and the 2008 Russo‑Georgian war period.

What to See#

• Upper Kodori Gorge: Upper Kodori Gorge, the high, steep section of the valley that was the site of Georgian administration and military presence prior to the 2008 conflict.

• Treat access as potentially restricted and check the current political and security situation before planning a trip-control of the Kodori Valley has been disputed and entry rules can change.
• Do not attempt independent travel into the valley without official permission or a local fix; if access is possible, travel with a knowledgeable local guide or through an organized itinerary to ensure you have the necessary permits and up-to-date route information.